Through filmarchives online the contents of your archives are integrated into the only European union-catalogue that is currently freely accessible to the public. If your archive is already accessible online, filmarchives online offers you the potential to reach a much broader audience for your content. If your archive is not yet accessible via the Internet, filmarchives online offers you the opportunity to realise this in an easy way.

Is it possible for my archive to take part in filmarchives online?

In general: yes. Further audiovisual content is welcome anytime. Because filmarchives online is a European film archives portal, your institution should however be situated in a present or future member state of the EU. It makes no difference whether your archive is a public or private institution. One prerequisite, however, is that your films must be available and accessible.

What kind of audio-visual content may be included in filmarchives online?

There are no genre restrictions. Currently filmarchives online allows users to search the database for non- or semi-fictional contents; such as documentaries, newsreels, amateur footage, industry films, commercials, educational films, etc.

Are there any restrictions regarding media?

No. Although the focus of filmarchives online is on actual release print copies, the archives may also include other media, such as videotapes, DVDs and various digital formats. It is possible to link directly to digital content.

What are the technical requirements?

Data must be provided in the XML (eXtended Markup Language) exchange format, together with a DTD (Document Type Description). If data is not available in the format used by filmarchives online, transformations (mappings) of the data elements (fields) from the original format to the target format will need to be established (further technical information on this process is available on request). This task may be carried out by the DIF, if necessary. Mappings for MARC and Dublin Core are currently under development.

What are the other requirements for my catalogue data?

For transferring data to filmarchives online a minimum set of meta-data elements must be provided. In particular, we need to know the title of your entry together with some basic information (country and year of production), as well as a short content summary; either in the form of a synopsis and/or keywords. Further information is available on request.

Is my catalogue searchable directly via filmarchives online?

No. A "real" meta search, which would access the participating catalogues directly, is not possible via filmarchives online. Instead, your data is searchable in a central database, that refers to the original source of the data. As soon as you have agreed on a cooperation and your access to the catalogue has been set up, you are free to update your data at filmarchives online anytime you want.

What about the security of my own catalogue and IT-systems?

Neither the DIF nor any third parties will access your system if you take part in our union catalogue. We will only transfer your data to the filmarchives online server. No data will be transferred back to you. Your catalogue and IT-systems are therefore not affected.

Is it possible to make archives available in parts through filmarchives online? Is there a minimum of films or copies to a contribution?

Yes, it is possible to contribute only some parts of archives. There is no minimum of films required for participation. Please contact us for any questions concerning the size and profile of your collection.

Is it possible to participate in filmarchives online if I am working in film sales?

We can not give a general answer to this, since there are several different factors involved. Please contact us for more information!